[ LETTER ]

Drink Milk; It's Healthy

Published: Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 12:03 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 12:03 a.m.

A recent letter from Lyle Lovitt sought to discourage you from drinking milk and enjoying other dairy foods, stating they were not healthy ["Cow's Milk Is Meant for Bovine Babies; Let's Use A Healthier Alternative," Jan. 16]. But nothing could be further from the truth, as proven by scientific research that is supported by nutrition experts and government health officials.

Milk, cheese and yogurt are major contributors of nine essential nutrients in our diets. In addition, milk is the No. 1 food source of three of the four nutrients the USDA identified as lacking in the U.S. diet — calcium, vitamin D and potassium.

My husband and I are longtime dairy farmers in Polk County, and dairy always had a place at our table while raising our family. And practicing as a dental hygienist, I also know that dairy plays a beneficial role in dental health by helping to maintain strong teeth.

In addition to promoting bone and dental health, consumption of dairy products may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, according to the USDA.

Consumers who are sensitive to milk products because of lactose intolerance don't have to give up dairy. There are simple strategies to make dairy easier to digest — such as drinking lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk, eating yogurt and consuming hard cheeses such as cheddar or Swiss that are naturally low in lactose.

By avoiding milk and other dairy foods, consumers may be depriving themselves of milk's nutrients and thereby increasing their risk of chronic diseases.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages consumers to increase their intake of healthy foods, including fat-free and low-fat milk and milk products. The USDA's MyPlate illustrates the five food groups — including dairy — that are the building blocks for a healthy diet.

For those of you watching your grocery budget while still wanting to eat healthy, milk is a smart decision.

<p>A recent letter from Lyle Lovitt sought to discourage you from drinking milk and enjoying other dairy foods, stating they were not healthy ["Cow's Milk Is Meant for Bovine Babies; Let's Use A Healthier Alternative," Jan. 16]. But nothing could be further from the truth, as proven by scientific research that is supported by nutrition experts and government health officials.</p><p>Milk, cheese and yogurt are major contributors of nine essential nutrients in our diets. In addition, milk is the No. 1 food source of three of the four nutrients the USDA identified as lacking in the U.S. diet — calcium, vitamin D and potassium.</p><p>My husband and I are longtime dairy farmers in Polk County, and dairy always had a place at our table while raising our family. And practicing as a dental hygienist, I also know that dairy plays a beneficial role in dental health by helping to maintain strong teeth.</p><p>In addition to promoting bone and dental health, consumption of dairy products may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, according to the USDA.</p><p>Consumers who are sensitive to milk products because of lactose intolerance don't have to give up dairy. There are simple strategies to make dairy easier to digest — such as drinking lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk, eating yogurt and consuming hard cheeses such as cheddar or Swiss that are naturally low in lactose.</p><p>By avoiding milk and other dairy foods, consumers may be depriving themselves of milk's nutrients and thereby increasing their risk of chronic diseases.</p><p>The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages consumers to increase their intake of healthy foods, including fat-free and low-fat milk and milk products. The USDA's MyPlate illustrates the five food groups — including dairy — that are the building blocks for a healthy diet.</p><p>For those of you watching your grocery budget while still wanting to eat healthy, milk is a smart decision.</p><p>MIKE and FREDA CAREY</p><p>Lakeland</p>